Need help with grandson

[pollywogg]

My grandson is 5 years old and has severe behavioral problems.  When he was 2 mths old he developed bacterial spinal menegitis.  After extensive treatment we were told that he would possibly have side affects from this.  At the age of 2 1/2 he started having seizures and was put on kepra and respidal.  He is now 5 and weighs 119 lbs.  We are having major behavioral problems with him.  He has a 3 year old  brother and 17 month old sister.  He refuses to stay at home with his mother and father and exhibits anger when they come to visit.  Any help would be greatly appreciated, we are at the point of not knowing what to do.He starts kindergarten in August and we do not know how he will act in a school setting with other children.

[pollywogg]

My grandson has an appt. with a Child Pschycologist this week.  Our family doctor prescribed Adderal in the form of a patch because we are unable to get him to take a pill.  In some ways it seems it is helping and other ways we don't see any change.  I am searching every avenue available to give me some answers and help.  Thank you for your comments and help.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Relative to your grandson's weight, Keppra (an anti-seizure medication) generally does not result in weight gain, but <1% of adult patients in clinical trials with Keppra did experience some weight gain. The weight gain is more likely the result of Risperdal, an anti-psychotic medication that often produces dramatic weight gain. That medication was likely prescribed to address the volatile behavior, not to address the seizure disorder. If his behavior is not under good control you can expect ongoing problems, and the fact that you are continuing to witness serious difficulties invites further evaluation. I assume he is under the care of a child psychiatrist (in addition to the pediatric neurologist). If not, he should be.